Honoring MLK in San Diego

Local volunteer opportunities for MLK Day

Each year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January — today. The theme for this year is “Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems,” according to The King Centera nonprofit founded by MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue his legacy.

Dr. King’s work includes two visits to San Diego — one in 1962 and one in 1964 — when he delivered speeches. Throughout the city, you will find murals depicting the civil rights leader and streets named in his honor. There is also the Martin Luther King Promenade that runs along Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego that features public art work symbolizing MLK’s messages, like Mel Edwards’ ”Breaking of the Chains.”

breaking the chains SDtoday

“Breaking of the Chains” in the MLK Promenade

Photo by SDtoday + Michael Beausoleil


In the spirit of Dr. King’s message, if you have time to dedicate to our community, here are three local volunteer opportunities:
Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out more local volunteer opportunities.
MORE WAYS TO GIVE BACK

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Jan. 16
  • 34th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration | Monday, Jan. 16 | 12-6 p.m. | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego | Free | The cultural center commemorates the civil rights leader through lectures, music, and more.
  • Terence Blanchard Lecture | Monday, Jan. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego | Free | The Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee speaks about his life.
  • Tim Kasher, Sean Bonnette + Veronica Everheart | Monday, Jan. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego | $21.46 | The lead singer of AJJ joins the frontman from Cursive and The Good Life.
Tuesday, Jan. 17
  • How To Talk With Your Doctor | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 10-11 a.m. | Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa | Free | Learn tips and tricks to help maximize your time with your doctor during your next visit.
  • San Marcos Farmers Market | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | Times vary | San Marcos Farmers Market, 251 N. City Dr., San Marcos | Free | Stock up on fresh produce, grab a hot meal from a vendor, and enjoy community fun.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

KEEP THE EVENTS COMING

Weather
  • 58º | Recurring showers throughout the day | 89% chance of rain
  • The National Weather Service expects rain and winds to continue today, with the heaviest precipitation expected to end this afternoon, that could result in flooding on roads. Mountain communities have been issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 4 p.m. tomorrow and should expect snowfall, winds, and icy roads. ❄️ (National Weather Service)
Sunrise + Sunset
  • Rise: 6:50 a.m.
  • Set: 5:06 p.m.
Tide
  • Low: 4:07 a.m. + 5:58 p.m.
  • High: 11:42 a.m. + 10:10 p.m.
  • Water Temperature: 58°
Civic
  • County offices, family resource centers, libraries, and animal shelters are closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. County parks, preserves, and campgrounds remain open, but some park facilities are closed. COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites operated by the county are closed, but some partner sites are open — check for appointments. 🔒
  • The Sidewalk Vendor Ordinance is now in effect in coastal areas, requiring roaming and stationary vendors to have permits to operate in the spaces. Violations could result in fines up to $1,000, and city officials will start issuing citations at the beginning of February. 🛍 (Fox 5)
Community
  • A community input tour will visit six locations in San Diego County to help select between two potential exhibits honoring the Tubman-Chavez Community Center. The “Tubman Chavez Stories: A Community Cultural Display” will be housed in Southeastern Live Well Center that’s set to open this summer. Input can also be submitted online. 🖼
Health
  • Two state COVID-19 testing sites — one in Escondido and one in El Cajon — are scheduled to close due to low testing demand. This will leave four state-owned sites in San Diego County, but they’re slated to close by Saturday, Feb. 25. Three county-contracted testing sites will remain open in addition to pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Cause
  • Sixteen San Diego Fire-Rescue Department firefighters traveled to Northern California to help residents impacted by flooding in the McSwain area of Merced County. The crew performed rescues to help keep people — and animals — safe as the area recovers from severe storm damage. 🚒
Featured
  • There’s nothing flaky about San Diego’s croissant game. According to Yelp, IZOLA Bakery showed up at No. 2 on its list of top spots for croissants in the US. The East Village store is known for baking breads from simple ingredients, and its croissants feature 96 layers of buttery goodness. 🥐 (Yelp)
Number
  • $21.8 million. That was the price for the most expensive home sold in San Diego County in 2022. The 12,628-sqft La Jolla property is noted for its beachy, Spanish architecture and has 6 BD, 10 BA, a pool, a marble fireplace, a game room, and ocean views. 🏡 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Eat
  • Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🥕 *
Drink
Seasonal
  • If you’ve got sticker shock from your winter energy bills, it’s time to break out the space heater. Solve chilly mornings the energy efficient way with the Dr. Infrared Heater that warms objects, not the air. Hello, cozy legs. Bonus: Heat your patio with infrared, too. 🔥*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Happy Monday, San Diego. I hope you take a moment to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message today, especially if you have the day off work. I highly recommend taking a walk along the MLK Promenade in downtown San Diego. The walkway is lined with quotes from Dr. King engraved along the path, and there are sculptures of hands spelling D-R-E-A-M in sign language to commemorate MLK’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Take a look at 9 cool art exhibitions to explore in San Diego in 2023.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.


Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?
SUBSCRIBE

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY